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On Wednesday, 25 May 2022, the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Finance in the City of Johannesburg, Councillor Julie Suddaby, will deliver her maiden Budget Speech.

“The Budget Speech is the second key city event after the State of the City Address (SOCA) that I will be hosting as the Speaker of Council at 10am from the Conny Bapela Council Chamber at the Metro Centre in Braamfontein,” says Councillor Vasco da Gama.

During the SOCA, residents of Johannesburg heard about all the new projects, programmes and initiatives that were planned after city-wide consultation. Joburg’s budget is expected to be over R70 billion. 

“On Wednesday, we will have the opportunity to hear about the budget allocations for these projects, programmes and initiatives mentioned in the State of the City Address.  The budget is a spending plan against which we can be held accountable for implementation and delivery,” says da Gama. 

MMC Suddaby attended most, if not all the Integrated Development Planning (IDP) meetings where residents clearly expressed their needs and expectations. The increase in water and electricity tariffs was the biggest concern. Job creation, housing and social subsidy were equally important for residents.

How intently the city was listening to residents at the IDP sessions will become clear on Wednesday, especially in relation to one of the Mayoral Priorities of striving to become “a caring city”.

“As with the State of the City Address, there is one item on the agenda, which is the Budget Speech. At the conclusion of the delivery of the Budget Speech, no discussions will be held and I will dismiss the meeting accordingly. It will be followed by another Council meeting on Friday, 27 May, to debate the Budget after councillors have had time to scrutinise the Speech and prepare their questions and comments,” says da Gama.

Issued on behalf of the Speaker of Council, Councillor Vasco da Gama